Deepak Obhrai

[Republic of Korea, April 29th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, today marks a solemn occasion for the Republic of Korea, which honoured the 46 sailors who perished with the sinking of the warship Cheonan on March 26.

On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the 46 sailors.

I understand the government of the Republic of Korea continues to work with experts from various countries in investigating the cause of the sinking of the Cheonan. The results of that investigation are expected to be made known within the coming weeks. Canada is monitoring the situation closely and awaits the results of the investigation.

We stand with our friend and ally, the Republic of Korea, in mourning its loss. Canada stands for freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

[Canada-India, April 26th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, Canada-India ties continue to strengthen following the very successful visit to India by a strong delegation led by the Prime Minister last November. Canada is home to a large Indo Canadian community. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Jains all contribute immensely to further this relationship.

India is the world's largest multicultural democracy. It also has a well established legal process. India today is an example of the fruits that co-operation between communities bring. The Government of Canada and Canadians stand strongly behind efforts to strengthen our relationship and in no way will accept, support or encourage any efforts that undermine a strong, united and multicultural India.

This government strongly condemns the recent threats of violence made by extremists within the Canadian Sikh community. This is unacceptable.

[Rwanda, April 22nd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as I have just mentioned, we will continue monitoring this case and if it requires intervention, the Government of Canada will intervene.

I wish to state again that Canada and Rwanda have a very good relationship and the visit of the Governor General to Rwanda was highly successful.

[Rwanda, April 22nd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the visit of the Governor General to Rwanda was a highly successful visit. We will continue monitoring the events in Rwanda as they move forward, and we will get back to the member with more information on that issue.

[Foreign Affairs, April 15th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, it is very important to note that the child protection agency is responsible for the protection of minor children. Under international law, this is the court in the U.S.A. As the current matter is in front of the courts, we will abide by the court rules. We will continue abiding by the court rules and if ordered by the court, consular officials abroad and in Ottawa are ready to assist in the child's return to Canada.

[Foreign Affairs, April 15th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, consular officials abroad and in Ottawa have been providing consular assistance to the Kirkman family since October 15, 2008. This particular case is in front of the courts. Consular officials abroad and here in Ottawa have respected and will respect the court orders concerning the minor child. If ordered by the court, consular officials abroad and in Ottawa are ready to assist in the child's return to Canada.

[Maternal and Child Health, March 26th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as I stated, Canada will lead the discussion in the upcoming G8 summit on child and maternal health. We are focused on how to make a positive difference and save the lives of mothers and children in the developing world.

[Maternal and Child Health, March 26th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, Canada will lead the discussion in the upcoming G8 summit on child and maternal health. We are focused on how to make a positive difference and save the lives of mothers and children in the developing world.

[Rights & Democracy, March 22nd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as I just said, we agree that it is important that the committee study Rights & Democracy.

All committee members originally agreed to four meetings on the subject, given that the committee also wants to study other issues. Given the agreed upon schedule, the committee members believe that it is important to focus on witnesses who could move Rights & Democracy forward.

[Rights & Democracy, March 22nd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we agree it is important that the committee study Rights & Democracy. All committee members originally agreed to four meetings on the subject, given that the committee also has to study other issues. Given the agreed upon schedule, committee members believe it is important to focus on witnesses that could help R & D move forward.